Energy optimization in the strip coating process

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Strip coating plant

Galvanized and non-galvanized steel strip is finished with organic coatings in the strip coating process. These coatings ensure sustained corrosion resistance against environmental influences and enable the production of a decorative finish. Different liquid or foil coatings are applied in the process, depending on the requirements to be met for corrosion protection, forming capability and temperature resistance, as well as catering to customer requests in terms of the color, degree of gloss and surface hardness. The coated steel sheet is directly suitable for further processing and forming.

Typical end products include household appliances, steel furniture, doors, garage doors, roofs or cladding.

Salzgitter Flachstahl also supplies steel sheet with white and silver varnishing to a leading household appliance manufacturer. The manufacturer produces the casings for washing machines and tumble driers without any further surface treatment. Options also include a so-called “anti-fingerprint coating” for an appealing, metallic finish that is resistant against annoying fingerprints on refrigerators, kitchen stoves, or extractor hoods.

A large portion of the energy required in the strip coating plant is provided in the form of natural gas.

In the year 2003, Salzgitter Flachstahl initiated the energy optimization program for the strip coating process.

The image shows the average natural gas consumption per ton of material produced in the strip coating process for the years 2003 to 2009, whereby the year 2003 is specified as 100 % reference for natural gas consumption.

It is evident that the measures taken since 2003, i.e. continuous investments and training courses, have significantly reduced the environmentally relevant total natural gas consumption. The projects that focused on the optimization of furnace control systems, hot air recovery and minimization of the exhaust air volume, for example, also contributed to these developments.